The 40-year-old Jones went on the disabled list in late July with an injured right shoulder. He was activated for one game in mid-August, gave up five unearned runs, and went back on the DL.

Jones was 4-1 with 18 saves in 21 chances this year and a 4.97 ERA.

Jones has 319 career saves with Detroit, Houston, Minnesota, Colorado, Boston, Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Florida. He's 14th on the all-time list and his 235 saves for Detroit are a team record.

He played four-plus seasons in Detroit from 1997 to 2001 and returned to the team as a free agent before the 2006 season. Jones had 37 saves that year and saved the Tigers' only win against St. Louis in the World Series.

"That was one of the best free-agent signings there was," Detroit manager Jim Leyland said. "It worked out pretty good."

Many of Jones' save opportunities were roller-coaster rides for Tigers fans - he rarely overpowered hitters - but his manager said the results made them worthwhile.

"It might've gotten a little edgy at times and a little nerve-racking at times, but for most part, when the game was over, we were shaking hands," Leyland said. "I like the fact he was going to go after 'em. They were going to have to hit it.

"Some nights they did. Most of the time they didn't. However it got done, it got done."

Leyland said he expects the reliever to return to Detroit on Thursday when the Tigers begin their final series of the season against Tampa Bay.

Several years ago, Jones began writing a column about his days in baseball. He plans to keep writing for the Sporting News.

"I have tried to give fans a look at what it's like from a guy who's passing through the game," he said.